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Canacona Police has registered an FIR after a resident was allegedly duped into a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. The accused reportedly induced the complainant to share HDFC bank account details to receive investor funds, following which the accounts were frozen after being linked to suspected cyber fraud, causing financial and legal complications. • The RGP Disciplinary Committee has issued a notice to suspended party member Ajay Kholkar, directing him to appear before the panel on August 7 in connection with allegations that led to his suspension. The committee said it will conduct an independent inquiry and proceed ex parte if he fails to appear without sufficient cause. • CM Pramod Sawant returns from Delhi after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, says discussed various issues especially on tribal political reservation, claims meeting had a positive outcome • GPCC President Girish Chodankar said Congress will continue working to unite all like-minded parties to defeat the BJP in the interest of Goa. Reacting to GFP putting alliance talks on hold, he termed it an internal matter and declined to comment further • The Supreme Court of India has directed the Government of Goa to regularise the services of workers employed through the Public Works Department (PWD) Labour Supply Society, setting aside a July 2023 High Court order that had denied them relief. • The main Amboli Waterfall has been temporarily closed for tourists following heavy rainfall that caused water levels to rise dangerously. Authorities have restricted entry as a safety precaution. Despite the closure, large numbers of tourists continue to visit the spot and are viewing the waterfall from the roadside. • The High Court has issued notices to all the respondents, including the Goa government and the TCP Department, in a public interest litigation filed by NGO Goa Bachao Abhiyan seeking to quash the GCZMA's NOC granting approval for the entertainment hub, the subsequent licence issued by the CCP for repairs and extensions, and any related permissions or licences granted by the TCP Department for the property "Panjim Park," popularly known as Quarter Deck, located on the banks of the Mandovi River opposite Hotel Mandovi. The High Court will hear the matter on 11 August. • BJP Goa President Damu Naik says MLA Babush Monserrate did not consult the party before starting a BJP office in St Cruz, adding the party does not operate two offices in one constituency. BJP will call both Babush Monserrate and Rudolf Fernandes for talks, he said. • The High Court has concluded hearings and reserved judgment in a batch of petitions challenging the Goa government's ordinance on delimitation and reservation of municipal wards. • Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai said he is tired of the uncertainty surrounding an opposition alliance, saying talks progress one day and stall the next. Stressing that defeating the BJP remains his priority, Sardesai also took a swipe at the Congress and announced that the GFP will soon intensify its agitation against the government. Canacona Police has registered an FIR after a resident was allegedly duped into a fake cryptocurrency investment scheme. The accused reportedly induced the complainant to share HDFC bank account details to receive investor funds, following which the accounts were frozen after being linked to suspected cyber fraud, causing financial and legal complications. • The RGP Disciplinary Committee has issued a notice to suspended party member Ajay Kholkar, directing him to appear before the panel on August 7 in connection with allegations that led to his suspension. The committee said it will conduct an independent inquiry and proceed ex parte if he fails to appear without sufficient cause. • CM Pramod Sawant returns from Delhi after meeting Union Home Minister Amit Shah, says discussed various issues especially on tribal political reservation, claims meeting had a positive outcome • GPCC President Girish Chodankar said Congress will continue working to unite all like-minded parties to defeat the BJP in the interest of Goa. Reacting to GFP putting alliance talks on hold, he termed it an internal matter and declined to comment further • The Supreme Court of India has directed the Government of Goa to regularise the services of workers employed through the Public Works Department (PWD) Labour Supply Society, setting aside a July 2023 High Court order that had denied them relief. • The main Amboli Waterfall has been temporarily closed for tourists following heavy rainfall that caused water levels to rise dangerously. Authorities have restricted entry as a safety precaution. Despite the closure, large numbers of tourists continue to visit the spot and are viewing the waterfall from the roadside. • The High Court has issued notices to all the respondents, including the Goa government and the TCP Department, in a public interest litigation filed by NGO Goa Bachao Abhiyan seeking to quash the GCZMA's NOC granting approval for the entertainment hub, the subsequent licence issued by the CCP for repairs and extensions, and any related permissions or licences granted by the TCP Department for the property "Panjim Park," popularly known as Quarter Deck, located on the banks of the Mandovi River opposite Hotel Mandovi. The High Court will hear the matter on 11 August. • BJP Goa President Damu Naik says MLA Babush Monserrate did not consult the party before starting a BJP office in St Cruz, adding the party does not operate two offices in one constituency. BJP will call both Babush Monserrate and Rudolf Fernandes for talks, he said. • The High Court has concluded hearings and reserved judgment in a batch of petitions challenging the Goa government's ordinance on delimitation and reservation of municipal wards. • Goa Forward Party President Vijai Sardesai said he is tired of the uncertainty surrounding an opposition alliance, saying talks progress one day and stall the next. Stressing that defeating the BJP remains his priority, Sardesai also took a swipe at the Congress and announced that the GFP will soon intensify its agitation against the government.

LEGAL

Birch Fire Tragedy Suo Moto: HC Directs Action Against Non-Responsive Panchayats

High Court, in the suo motu public interest litigation, concerning the devastating Birch fire at Arpora

05th Aug 2026 • 3 hours ago • 62 views

Birch Fire Tragedy Suo Moto: HC Directs Action Against Non-Responsive Panchayats

The High Court, in the suo motu public interest litigation, concerning the devastating Birch fire at Arpora, has ordered the Director of Panchayats to ensure that the secretaries of four village panchayats—Querim Tiracol, Mandrem, Morjim and Colva—appear personally before the Court on the next date of hearing.

The Court expressed concern over the persistent failure of these four panchayats to respond to judicial queries or comply with directions issued on February 16, 2026.

Fixing the next hearing for 17 August, the High Court observed: “Considering the gravity of the issue raised in the petition, the Director of Panchayats shall ensure that the secretaries of the aforementioned panchayats are personally present in Court on the next date of hearing and shall be directed to file their affidavits in reply.”

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